Homebrew Arachnoid Species Details

The vicious Arachnoids come from all corners of the globe, living in many dangerous and isolated climates-- and yet, they remain a mystery to the civilized world. The arachnoids are considered myths by some, and vicious monsters by others. In truth, the nomadic Arachnoids are a nomadic and endangered species. The majority of arachnoids never venture close to civilization, instead opting for caves and other secluded, protected environments where they cant hunt and forage in peace. The few who do travel into developed lands are treated with wonder, fear, and caution- thanks in part to their cruel cousins, the driders.

Nomadic Hunters

Arachnoids have comparable upper bodies to humanoids, with the largest differences being their extra arms, multiple additional eyes, and their chelicerae replacing their tongue. They have pitch black eyes that reflect in light, as well as pointed ears. Their lower bodies resemble that of spiders usually being bulky and heavy. Similar to the spiders that they are related to, they hunt in a variety of ways- whether it be trapping or baiting. Their lower bodies can contain many varieties of colors, patterns and shapes. 

Their Spider-like instincts allows for them to be amazing hunters and stalkers, able to wait for the perfect moment to strike at their prey-- while also being fully capable of fighting head on, without the advantage of a surprise.

 

 

Arachnoid Names

Arachnoid names tend not to be gender-assigned, and can be nearly impossible to pronounce without the arachnoid's signature chelicerae, causing them to sometimes need nicknames when in public. Some examples of arachnoid names might be,

Names: Tliltocatl, Tiktaalik, Tlacuatzin, Weaver, Hystrix, Mactans, Katipo, Godeffroyi, Littorale

 

Arachnoid Traits

Your arachnoid will get the following traits.

Silkweaver

You have proficiency in Weaver's Tools, and your proficiency bonus is doubled for checks made using Weaver's Tools. In addition, you have a limited supply of spider silk that your body naturally creates. You have a number of uses equal to your proficiency bonus, and can spend one use of the silk to use one of the following effects.

- As an action, you create a net, an article of clothing, or 30 feet of silk rope.
- As an action, you can consume two uses of silk instead of one to shoot excess amounts of silk at a point within 60 feet of you. At that point, the silk spreads to cover a radius of 15 feet. All area within the radius becomes difficult terrain. Creatures within this radius must make a Dexterity save or be restrained, and can repeat this save as an action if they fail.

Multiple Limbs

You have a shorter pair of arms in the center of your chest. Your smaller arms have a reach of 5 feet, and you can use them to lift a number of pounds equal to five times your Strength score. You can use these arms to take an additional object interaction each round and hold objects. Your secondary arms can’t be used to do anything that requires manual precision such as attack, benefit from a shield, use an item or performing the somatic components of a spell.

Dichromatic Darkvision

You are colorblind, only able to see shades of green and ultraviolet. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength and Intelligence Scores both increase by 1.

Age

Arachnoids mature and age at about the same rate as humans.

Alignment

Arachniods tend to lean into more neutral alignments, usually doing whatever they can to survive.

Size

Arachnoids stand anywhere between 6 and 8 feet tall, with their arachnid bodies reaching about 5 feet in length. Your size is Medium. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 40 feet.

Charge

If you move at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hit it with a melee weapon attack on the same turn, you can immediately follow that attack with a bonus action, making one attack against the target with your hooves.

Venomous Bite

Your jaws are venomous, deadly weapons with which you can use to bite your foes and inject a painful venom. If you hit them, you deal poison damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal piercing damage from bites.

Arachnid Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push or drag.

In addition, you can climb surfaces that aren't too smooth or steep.

Survivor

You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: NatureSurvivalIntimidation, or Performance.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Undercommon and Arachne. Arachne is a verbal-only language spoken by Arachnoids.